What is Climate-Controlled Storage?

Climate-controlled storage is designed to protect your belongings from harsh conditions like extreme heat, cold, and humidity. While climate control won't be as comfortable as your living room, it's much closer to this than a garage or shed that is comparable to a standard storage unit. With that said, there are multiple types of climate-controlled storage offered at Life Storage that we'll dive into below.

Types of Climate-Controlled Storage

Climate-Controlled Storage Units

Think of climate-controlled storage units as "temperature controlled" – cooled in the summer and heated in the winter.

  • Helps protect valuables from extreme temperature fluctuations that can damage wood furniture, electronics, plastic, and wax.

  • While not as comfortable as your living room, when you visit your space the temperature will be much more tolerable than a traditional unit.

Humidity-Controlled Storage Units

Humidity-controlled storage units adjust the humidity of the air inside your space to maintain safe levels of moisture regardless of temperature fluctuations.

  • Humidity control reduces the likelihood of mold and mildew growth, metal rust, paper rot, etc.

  • Ideal for storing valuable documents, furniture, electronics, etc.

  • Superior to portable dehumidifiers or packaged moisture control products.

Heated Storage Units

In cold winter climates, heated storage spaces help protect your stored items from the effects of even the coldest temperatures.

  • Temperatures inside the storage space are carefully monitored during the cold months and heated to help preserve your belongings.

  • While not as comfortable as your living room, when you visit your space the temperature will be much more tolerable than a traditional unit.

Air Cooled Storage Units

Air cooled spaces are cooled by air blown through water vapor to lower the temperature.

  • Ideal for belongings that can't withstand high temperatures, but are tolerant of slightly higher humidity levels.

  • Consider an air cooled space for furniture, plastics, glass, pottery, wax, and most woods.

  • While not as comfortable as your living room, when you visit your space the temperature will be much more tolerable than a traditional unit.

Do You Need Climate-Controlled Storage?

There are several factors that weigh into this decision. Where you live and the weather conditions in that area, how long you plan to store for, and the items you're storing all influence this.

  • If you live in areas like the Midwest where you experience heat, cold, and humidity, the southwest with extreme heat, the southeast with heat and humidity, or anywhere else with harsh conditions, it's worth considering climate-controlled storage.

  • The longer you plan to store, the stronger you should consider climate control. Conditions can have a larger impact over time and the longer you store, the more condition changes your items will experience.

  • If you're storing valuable items and protecting them is a priority, you should strongly consider climate-controlled storage.

What Items Need Climate-Controlled Storage?

Electronics & Digital Media

For electronics and digital media, climate-controlled storage is recommended across the board. Electronics like TVs and computers and media like CDs, DVDs, and more are susceptible to damage when exposed to heat, cold, and humidity.

Items
Traditional
Climate Controlled
DVDs/Blue-Rays
No
Yes
CDs
No
Yes
Computers
No
Yes
Tablets
No
Yes
Phones
No
Yes
Televisions
No
Yes
Cameras
No
Yes
Gaming Devices
No
Yes
Vinyl Records
No
Yes

Appliances

With appliances like washers and dryers, ovens, and microwaves, most are sturdy enough to do fine in traditional storage units, but climate control is the most ideal option for these items.

Items
Traditional
Climate Controlled
Washer/Dryer
Acceptable
Yes
Refrigerator
Acceptable
Yes
Microwave
Acceptable
Yes
AC Unit
Acceptable
Yes
Oven
Acceptable
Yes
Dishwasher
Acceptable
Yes
Toaster
Acceptable
Yes
Water Heater
Acceptable
Yes

Furniture

Most furniture does well in traditional storage units without climate control, but climate control is the best option for furniture storage, especially if storing long term. Items like wood furniture can expand and contract in changing conditions and moisture isn't ideal for furniture like sofas or couches.

Items
Traditional
Climate Controlled
Mattress
Acceptable
Yes
Chairs
No
Yes
Tables
Acceptable
Yes
Sofas/Couches
No
Yes
Antiques
No
Yes
Mirrors
Acceptable
Yes
Dishes/Glassware
Acceptable
Yes
Lamps
Acceptable
Yes
Dressers
Acceptable
Yes
Bed Frame
Acceptable
Yes
Entertainment Units
Acceptable
Yes
Cribs
Acceptable
Yes
High Chairs/Car Seats
Acceptable
Yes

Traditional Media

Ideal storage conditions for items like art, books, collectibles, and more is in climate-controlled storage. These items can be badly damaged by harsh weather conditions, especially humidity. We strongly suggest climate control for these types of belongings.

Items
Traditional
Climate Controlled
Photos/Prints
No
Yes
Memorabilia
No
Yes
Collectibles
No
Yes
Books
No
Yes
Art
No
Yes
Comic Books
No
Yes
Magazines
No
Yes
Newspapers
No
Yes

Other

For other miscellaneous items that you may need to store, here is what we suggest using a climate-controlled storage unit for.

Items
Traditional
Climate Controlled
Clothing
Acceptable
Yes
Luggage
No
Yes
Bedding
Acceptable
Yes
Files/Documents
No
Yes
Bikes
Yes
Yes
Stollers
Yes
Yes
Holiday Decorations
Yes
Yes
Gardening Tools
Acceptable
Yes
Sports Equipment
Yes
Yes
Sewing Machine
No
Yes

Climate-Controlled Storage FAQs

Is climate-controlled storage worth it?

How much does climate-controlled storage cost?

What are the benefits of a climate-controlled storage unit?

Need Help Deciding on Climate Control?

We're here to help! Give our team a call at (833) 354-0400 and our team can talk through your specific needs and help you make the best decision.